by Tricia Chaves

Created on: March 02, 2009

One of the most important first lessons of mystery shopping is that you should never have to pay any money up front to work for a company. There are, however, some upfront costs associated with mystery shopping that you should be prepared for as you begin your career:

Tools of the Trade

There are some basic tools of the trade that may not always "required" for a job, but will make your job much easier. A

digital tape recorder and a concealed microphone are really helpful for assignments that require you to recall a lot of detail when note-taking would comprimise your identity as a mystery shopper. A telephone recording recording device can help you with telephone shopping assignments. Accurate and detailed information is important in mystery shopping, and a record of your interaction is the best way to review the facts.

In many instances, a shop's instructions will require you to time certain aspects of your service. Especially in fast food mystery shops, timing to the second is important. A slim stop watch or an inexpensive men's watch with a second hand is a necessity to do this accurately.

Some mystery shopping assignments may require you to use a digital camera while completing your evaluation and may specify no camera phones. A scanner is helpful for sending in receipts for reimbursement.

To organize yourself a paper calendar will help you keep track of your assignments and deadlines. I use Amy Knapp's Family Organizer because I love the perforated shopping list and meal plan that I can remove each week.

Job Boards

As I began registering myself as a mystery shopper, I signed up for a monthly subscription to the Shadow Shopper job board. At $15 a month, it paid for itself in the first couple of months, providing me with some shops that I wouldn't have found otherwise.

Certification

There is a mystery shopping certification program offered at MSPA.com. I have never received the certification and have had consistent, well-paid assignments in spite of it. There are some people, however, that say the certification has given them opportunities not available to the general public of mystery shoppers.

Reimbursable Expenses & Temporary Holds

If you are able to, have a credit card specifically for mystery shopping. Most companies are on a 30 to 60 day pay timeline. That means that the "free" meal you get today for completing a short survey will actually be repaid to you two months from now. Mystery shopping can be a great way to finance more frequent meals out, but you'll need a way to pay for the added expense before your reimbursement checks start coming in.

Sometimes a mystery shop will require you to make a purchase, then a return (usually 24 hours later). Having a designated credit card for mystery shopping will give you the opportunity to accept these types of assignments, without tying up funds from your checking account.

A Note of Caution

Be wary of assignments that ask you to cash checks or wire money. They're almost always fraudulent. Shops that involve large amounts of money, expensive equipment or any of your financial information will typically be accompany legal forms from the company you'll be shopping for. Don't hesitate to ask the scheduler if you have any questions before you accept an assignment if you're uncomfortable.

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